11 lakh people visit Chennai book fair, Tamil books, novels turn out to be big draw

Almost all cities pan India host fairs in this season and Chennai is no exception, especially, as more than 11 lakh people, including students, attended the 42nd edition of the fair here till Saturday. 

And this time, regional texts scored, with Tamil books and historical novels being a big hit. Total books sale is expected to cross more than Rs 1.5 crore, which is about 50% more compared to the previous year. This time around, tickets for the 17-day book fair were available online and over 60% tickets were sold the e-way.  

AR Venkatachalam, organising secretary of the book fair, told DTNext that it was for the first time that the fair was held for 17 days. He said over 1.5 crore books including 50 lakh titled editions were kept in 820 stalls.

The book fair, inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, also attracted more than 4 lakh students, who were given free entry passes. Most thronged the stalls selling books on computer, NEET, JEE and other tutorials. “The students also purchased comics, biographies, detective novels, books on space, defence,” Venkatachalam said.

He said that this year Vel Pari, penned by Sahitya Akademi awardee Su Venkatesan, sold 20,000 copies. Among others, Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan was also popular, mostly among the female crowd.

In another first, eco-friendly paper craft was showcased in a few stalls, which attracted many children.

Daily Thanthi, which had a stall, also showcased various  books, including Udalum Unavum and Nalam Tharum Muligai Samayal.

Sunday being the last day, organisers expect over two lakh visitors.